The third paper found was the formula for making the needles used in the invention, sympathetic.
“Ah!” cried Cobb. “This is most important! Not but that the wealth given Marie and me is most acceptable; but now,” and he held up the paper, “now the world will again know and make use of the secret of sympathizing the needles.”
“And you forget another thing, Junius,” broke in Hugh. “You are five millions of dollars richer by that paper, as that is the reward offered by the government for the discovery of the lost secret.”
The last paper in the box was then read:
“That the wealth which I possess may descend to my daughter unimpaired by time and change, I have converted the $5,000,000 which the government paid me for my invention into the sack of stones underneath this paper. J. C.”
Cobb reached his hand into the box, and withdrew a silken bag. Opening it, he poured the contents upon the table.
All started with exclamations of astonishment at the sight; and well they might. The center of the table seemed ablaze with a million sparkling, dancing rays of light. Five million dollar’s worth of precious stones lay before them—the dowry of Marie Colchis.
“Junius,” said the President, laying his hand upon the young man’s shoulder, “wealth has rolled in upon you by millions, but above all the wealth you have received is the fair prize you have won, your future wife,” and he kissed the blushing face of Marie. “One more gift I can add to the many you have received,” and he drew from his pocket a folded paper bearing the great seal of the Navy Department upon it. “Your commission as Admiral of the Aërial Navy of the United States,” and he handed the paper to Junius Cobb. “Your discovery of meteorlene has revolutionized warfare, and you soon will command a powerful fleet of aërial war ships.”
Cobb bowed low as he accepted the paper, and expressed his gratitude to the President for this additional proof of his generosity.